Best Columbia River Gorge Bike Tour? Honest Review and Tips for Booking
Have you Been Wanting to Book a Columbia River Gorge Bike Tour, But Can’t Decide Which One to Choose? I’ve got you covered!
If you’ve ever considered a visit to Portland, Oregon, you’ve likely also considered booking a tour to see the famed Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile gorge that stretches along the border of Washington and Oregon, and it’s one of the most popular recreation areas in all of Oregon! Because of its growing popularity amongst hikers, bikers, windsurfers, and travelers, there are several tour companies that provide adventure tours throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the best Columbia River Gorge bike tours with Around Portland Tours, and in this blog post I will share my honest thoughts and opinions based on my experience.
Experiencing the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on two wheels brought a new level of excitement and discovery to an already exhilarating day trip. I know that a lot of us, eager to get outdoors and explore, can feel overwhelmed by the logistics of planning an adventure of this caliber. Especially if we’ve never been to the area or aren’t able to rent a car locally. It’s for these reasons that I love participating in group tours led by a local guide when I travel.
Spoiler alert: I loved this tour and I had an amazing time exploring the Columbia River Gorge with the Around Portland Tours team. Keep reading for more specific details on the route we took, key highlights, and important things to know before booking this Columbia River Gorge bike tour.
This tour was hosted in partnership with Around Portland Tours; however, all remarks and thoughts expressed in this blog post are entirely my own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. I use various programs to include affiliate links in my blog posts to keep my content free for all to read. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you choose to book through any of my links, thank you so much! All opinions expressed here are my own and I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers.
Hike and Bike: Columbia River Gorge Hidden Waterfalls Tour Overview
- Expert Guide and Staff: Safe, well-organized tour with insightful commentary!
- Gorgeous Waterfalls: Discover several stunning waterfalls throughout the area, including Multnomah Falls!
- Biking and Hiking Combo: Dynamic mix of activities for a varied adventure, ensuring you won’t get bored!
- Scenic Views: Experience breathtaking landscapes and perfect photo opportunities to memorialize your trip to the Columbia River Gorge!
- Convenient Access: Easy departure from the downtown Portland area for hassle-free exploration!
Important Things to Know About This Columbia River Gorge Bike Tour
Overall, I highly recommend the Columbia River Gorge bike tour offered by Around Portland Tours for adventure-lovers visiting Portland. This guided day trip seamlessly combines the thrill of cycling with the enjoyment of hiking, taking you to some of the most scenic waterfalls and viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge. The guide from Around Portland Tours (my guide was Edwin!) provided fascinating insights into the area’s history and ensured a safe, enjoyable journey for everyone in my group. This tour offers an exciting way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both adventure and ease of access from downtown Portland.
For adventure-lovers traveling to Portland, the “Hike and Bike: Columbia River Gorge Hidden Waterfalls” tour with Around Portland Tours is a must-try experience that combines exhilarating activities with breathtaking natural beauty. This tour is rated moderate on an activity scale, and participants can expect to bike and hike over 10 miles throughout the course of the day.
This 5-hour tour begins with a specialized bike fitting to ensure your safety and comfort as you embark on a journey that includes 6 to 14 miles of biking. The tour also features a fair bit of hiking, covering approximately 2.5 miles on foot. This unique blend of biking and hiking allows you to explore hidden waterfalls and scenic vistas, offering an engaging and physically rewarding adventure. With expert guides (shout-out to Edwin and Alice!) leading the way and ensuring a well-organized and informative experience, this tour is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge.
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Pros of the Columbia River Gorge Hidden Waterfalls Hike and Bike Tour
- Great selection of bikes, helmets, and other equipment to ensure a safe + comfortable ride
- Knowledgable, easy-going guides who share a ton of great stories about the area and continually check-in with the group to determine pace and stamina
- Comfortable transportation from the Around Portland Tours shop in Portland–no need to stress about getting out to the Columbia River Gorge on your own
- And… you get to see SO MANY WATERFALLS!
Cons of the Columbia River Gorge Hidden Waterfalls Hike and Bike Tour
- Most sections of the biking part of the trip are pretty easy to manage but some turns can be somewhat challenging for those who haven’t ridden a bike in a while (like me!)
- The tour is a great length at 5-hours long but I would have loved more time at Multnomah Falls (we were running slightly behind schedule because we took too long at the first few waterfalls)
- I personally enjoyed the mix of hiking and cycling during this tour but some members of my group mentioned they wished there would have been slightly more hiking
Who is This Tour Best Suited for?
This Columbia River Gorge bike tour is perfect for someone who seeks adventure and thrives in exploring new landscapes through biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They’ll likely have a passion for nature and a desire to experience the great outdoors to the fullest alongside locals and travelers alike.
This tour would be perfect for someone looking to explore outside of the Portland area, but they may find it challenging to plan and execute outdoor excursions independently due to time constraints or a lack of local knowledge. This tour helps travelers to discover hidden gems and iconic landscapes while ensuring they have access to reliable transportation and a knowledgable guide by their side.
Additionally, this tour would also be a great fit for a small travel group wanting to explore the Columbia River Gorge in a unique, fun way alongside a local guide. My group was made up of 7 total travelers and 2 guides from Around Portland Tours. To my understanding, they considered this a larger group. I doubt there would be more than 8 travelers in a group, unless intentionally organized as such.
This Columbia River Gorge bike tour could also be great for local Portlanders or PNW folk who don’t have a car but still want to get out and explore the Columbia River Gorge safely! Transportation is included in this tour, which means all you have to do is show up to the Around Portland Tours shop at the specified time! No need to worry about loading up a bike or getting to a trailhead from downtown Portland. Plus, the van they transport travelers in is large and comfortable with A/C, seatbelts, and large windows to soak up the gorgeous views as you drive into the Gorge area!
Tour Route and Location
The tour route and specific stops along the way may be subject to change based on the guides’ discretion and local knowledge. However, for the most part the route will be the same and there will be certain stops that won’t be overlooked unless requested by the group.
The route our group followed can be seen on the map below! We started our journey at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint and traveled by bike to the Vista House at Crown Point. We stopped for a short break, and then continued onward to our first waterfall stop: Latourell Falls! We hiked around this area on the Latourell Falls trail before enjoying a lunch at the Guy W. Talbot State Park picnic area. We continued onward by bike to see Shepperd’s Dell and Wahkeena Falls. Then we loaded the bikes and drove the final small stretch to Multnomah Falls and enjoyed some light hiking around the falls!
Make sure to reserve a spot on this tour in advance for the summer and fall travel seasons!
Columbia River Gorge Bike Tour FAQs
What should I wear for a Columbia River Gorge Biking tour?
The short answer? Layers. The long answer? Make sure to pack warm clothing like a fleece jacket, a rain shell, and long pants. The wind-chill as you’re biking down the hills can make even the hottest day feel much cooler. On colder days, make sure to wear warm gloves and head protection (like a beanie!) to keep your ears warm. I’d also recommend wearing trail runner shoes on this specific tour since you’ll be biking and hiking throughout the day.
It may also be nice to pack a small day pack to wear while you’re on the bicycles and on the trail hiking to carry essentials like water and your phone. I use an older model of this one from Camelbak, but any small day pack with pockets should do the trick just fine!
During the height of summer, you might be able to get away with wearing a t-shirt and a light jacket with shorts or capris. I’d still recommend wearing layers, though, since the weather can change in an instant in the Columbia River Gorge area.
These are my personal favorite trail runners from Brooks Running!
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Nope! Tour participants do not need to bring their own bicycle. Around Portland Tours is gracious enough to provide guests with a bike customized to size, as well as transport it everywhere for you! Their team has dozens of bikes to choose from to ensure you have a comfortable day riding along the Historic Columbia River Highway! Plus, they also have helmets and bicycle bags to attach to the front of your bike.
All of the bikes owned by Around Portland Tours undergo regular maintenance to ensure safety and performance. If your bike has any mishaps on the road, both guides are able to repair and address the issue promptly! They helped fix my bike when I accidentally slid into a ditch coming around a bend (oops!). It was as good as new afterward.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, this tour is suitable for beginners with the ability to participate in a moderate amount of physical activity. Admittedly, I hadn’t ridden a bike in a while when I went on this tour but I felt completely comfortable the whole trip! There is time in the beginning for practicing riding maneuvers and demos with the guides, if needed.
Are helmets provided?
Yes, there are helmets in a range of sizes to accommodate all travelers and participants! They even have kids size helmets and adjustable helmets! See the photo below for a reference point of what types of helmets they had available during my tour.
Are there restrooms along the route?
There are a few spots for participants to use the facilities including at the Vista House, Latourell Falls (near the picnic area at Guy W. Talbot State Park), and at Multnomah Falls. Travelers can also use the restroom before disembarking from the Around Portland Tours headquarters before the tour starts.
How difficult is the hiking portion of the tour?
In my personal opinion, the hiking portion of the tour was not too challenging at all. We followed a perfect route appropriate for beginner hikers. There is not much incline or decline and it’s a pretty clear trail. Plus, the tour guides are great at matching the stamina and pace of the slowest member of the group so don’t fret if you need to take a little bit longer during some sections!
Are snacks or refreshments provided?
During my trip, we were provided snacks and water, as well as a sandwich lunch. The Around Portland Tours team was wonderful at accommodating dietary restrictions, just make sure you give them advanced notice. You can also choose to bring your own snacks or water, as well. The sandwich options offered to our group included a ham and cheese option, a tuna salad option, and a vegetarian option, among other sandwiches.
Before our tour left from the Around Portland Tours headquarters, we walked as a group over to a coffee roaster called Coava Coffee. I ordered a delicious Rose Latte with oat milk, and it was the perfect start to the tour! I’d highly recommend stopping by here before you leave for the Columbia River Gorge if you have time!
Final Thoughts: Is This Columbia River Gorge Biking Tour Worth It?
In this honest review of my experience participating in Around Portland Tours’ Columbia River Gorge Biking Tour, I shared my firsthand experience, some useful tips for your trip, and things to know before booking.
To wrap things up, would I recommend this tour? Absolutely! I personally had a blast exploring the Columbia River Gorge with the Around Portland Tours team, and I am itching to go back already! Plus, it’s competitively priced and you get a lot of bang for your buck (which I appreciate as a traveler who’s always looking for a good deal).
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist/hiker or still finding your footing in the outdoor scene, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. So, gear up, slip into those trusty trail running sneakers, and get ready to uncover the hidden gems and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge with Around Portland Tours! Your next remarkable journey is just a reservation away—make sure to book soon so you have flexibility in choosing which day/time you want to reserve!
For additional questions about my experience on this tour, please feel free to send me an email at sydney@sydneybrowntravels.com! Additionally, check out Around Portland Tours’ Viator page or website for the most up to date information regarding availability.
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